Description
Crispy sheet pan tacos merge Mexican street flavors with quick weeknight convenience. Spicy seasoned meat, melted cheese, and fresh toppings create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- 10–12 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and optimal cooking.
- Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground meat with diced onions until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent, then add minced garlic and taco seasoning with a small amount of water, simmering until the mixture thickens and develops rich flavor.
- Taco Assembly: Arrange tortillas on the prepared sheet pan with slight overlap, lightly brush with oil to promote crispiness, then evenly distribute the seasoned meat mixture across the tortillas and generously top with shredded cheese.
- Baking Process: Slide the sheet pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and tortillas turn golden and crisp.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and immediately garnish with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, dollops of sour cream, and sliced avocado to add vibrant colors, textures, and complementary flavors.
- Serving: Plate the sheet pan tacos while hot, allowing diners to enjoy the perfect combination of crispy tortillas, savory meat, melted cheese, and fresh toppings.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground meat is completely broken down and browned evenly to develop deep, rich flavors and prevent soggy texture.
- Prevent Tortilla Sogginess: Lightly toast tortillas with oil before adding meat to create a barrier that keeps them crisp and prevents moisture absorption.
- Customize Seasoning Intensity: Adjust taco seasoning quantity based on personal preference, tasting and adding gradually to control spice and salt levels.
- Accommodate Dietary Needs: Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or jackfruit for vegetarian versions, maintaining similar cooking techniques.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg